Nirav Modi Remains in UK Custody as India Intensifies Extradition Push

The High Court in London has rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s plea to postpone his upcoming trial in an unpaid loan case involving the Bank of India , ruling that his claims of severe vision loss , clinical depression , and prison-related constraints did not justify delaying proceedings. The court held that Modi would not face a “substantial disadvantage” in defending himself, clearing the way for the trial to move ahead. The decision marks another legal setback for the businessman, who continues to contest multiple proceedings from prison.

Modi, once the head of the global jewellery group Firestar Diamond , has been in British custody since 2019 and is currently lodged at HMP Pentonville . His business empire, previously known for high-value polished diamonds and designer luxury pieces, has largely collapsed, with key companies now under bankruptcy or liquidation processes and retail outlets no longer functioning as before.

The wider legal storm surrounding Modi centres on the alleged multi-billion-dollar fraud involving Punjab National Bank (PNB) . Indian investigators claim he and associates secured unauthorised Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) from bank officials, enabling overseas lenders to release large loans without proper collateral or internal records. Authorities allege that funds were rolled over through fresh guarantees and diverted through overseas entities rather than repaid through legitimate trade flows.

India’s pursuit of Modi has been driven by multiple agencies. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed cases related to criminal conspiracy and bank fraud, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting parallel money-laundering investigations and attaching assets linked to the case. A third set of proceedings concerns alleged interference with evidence and witnesses.

British courts have already approved extradition in principle, but Modi remains in custody as he continues legal challenges. His bail applications have been repeatedly rejected on grounds that he poses a flight risk. India has submitted formal assurances addressing prison conditions and fair-trial safeguards, while Indian officials have participated in UK hearings to oppose further delays.

For now, Modi remains behind bars in the UK, fighting legal battles on multiple fronts as India presses for his eventual return to stand trial.